Skopje, Macedonia, is a seriously underrated destination and makes for a fabulous day trip from Sofia, Bulgaria. One Day in Skopje is the perfect amount of time to introduce you to this amazing country, but make sure to spend more time to get a feel for the country.
When I first learned that you could get to North Macedonia from Sofia, Bulgaria, I knew I would have to set aside a day to venture over the border. I first heard about Macedonia when I was in high school, and my boss was originally from there. It has such an intriguing history (like much of Eastern Europe) that, as a historian, I knew I had to visit and see what it was like in the present day.
Skopje ended up being one of my favorite spots on the trip and was an amazing city with lots of charm and character. I could definitely see the influences from the various civilizations that have controlled it throughout the centuries, and the history lingers at every corner.
Want a guided tour to start out your trip and get acclimated to the city? Then check out Guru Walks for a free guided tour. You can book online to reserve your spot and pay what you wish when you get there. Check out the tours in Skopje here.
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Table of Contents
History of Skopje
Skopje is the current capital of North Macedonia. It is divided into the old town and the new town by the Vardar River. This area has been inhabited since the 4000s BC and was once part of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Today, it is Macedonia’s political and economic center.
When to Spend One Day in Skopje
The best time to visit Skopje is between June and September. While the weather can get a bit hot in the summertime, the temperatures can drop below freezing during the winter months.
How to Get to Skopje
Skopje has one international airport with flights from around Europe. Many budget airlines fly to Skopje. You can use this Private Airport Transfer to get to the city center. We opted to take a small group tour to get us to Skopje. However, visitors can also catch a bus from Sofia. Please note that the border crossing does take some time! These are some tour options and transfers that might come in handy.
- Skopje to Sofia Transfer
- Sofia to Skopje Day Trip
- Skopje, Macedonia Day Trip
- Skopje Day Trip from Sofia
Transportation in Skopje
Most of the main sites are within walking distance of each other. There is no need for a car or any other transportation but yourself in Skopje.
Where to Stay in Skopje
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best Skopje hotels here!
The main sites of Skopje are all within one area. The Holiday Inn Skopje and the Skopje Marriott Hotel are in the best locations, but the DoubleTree by Hilton Skopje is a good alternative.
Things to See During One Day in Skopje
Day 1
If you are not part of a day trip, check out these tours to take you around the city:
Skopje Fortress
Cost: Free
Hours: 9am-7pm
Start off your one day in Skopje, you will want to spend some time wandering through the Skopje Fortress. It is also known as the Kale Fortress and is located in the old town of Skopje and overlooks the city. It is free to walk around in and provides awesome views of the city.
Mustafa Pasha Mosque
Cost: Free
This mosque from the Ottoman era is located in the old town and is the largest mosque in Skopje. It stands near the Skopje Fortress, and you can easily walk around the complex. It is an interesting stop during your one day in Skopje.
Old Bazaar
Cost: Free
Hours: Varies by Stall
The Old Bazaar has existed in Skopje since the 1100s! Present day, it is a major marketplace for all types of goods and the perfect place to stop for shopping during your one day in Skopje.. There are a plethora of food and jewelry vendors. I even saw several shops where you could buy wedding dresses.
Stone Bridge
Cost: Free
Cross the stone bridge to cross between the old and new parts of Skopje. Part of the bridge was built during the Ottoman Empire.
Soul Kitchen
Cost: $$
Hours: Mon-Thurs: 8am-12am, Fri-Sat: 8am-1am, Sun: 10am-12am
Next, grab lunch at Soul Kitchen, one of the best places to eat at during your one day in Skopje. Soul Kitchen has a wide variety of dishes on the menu and a wide assortment of Macedonian wine.
Porta Macedonia
Cost: Free
The Porta Macedonia is an arch that marks the entrance to one of the main squares of Macedonia. This arch was completed in 2012, so it is relatively new. It is a monument to the independence of Macedonia. Visitors can even go to the top of it to admire the views.
Memorial House Mother Teresa
Cost: Free
Hours: 9am-8pm
Next up, head to the Memorial House Mother Teresa during your one day in Skopje. This house was built as a memorial to Mother Teresa, who was born in Skopje. The inside is a museum containing artifacts from her life, her Nobel Peace Prize, and a chapel.
Mother Teresa Old House
Cost: Free
Hours: 24 hours
After visiting the Memorial House, stop at the Mother Teresa Old House. This is the spot where the house Mother Teresa grew up in once stood. Although it is no longer standing, a plaque commemorates the spot.
Skopje City Museum
Cost: Free
Hours: Tues-Sat: 9am-5pm, Sun: 9am-1pm, Closed Mondays
The Skopje City Museum contains exhibits and artifacts pertaining to the history of Skopje and North Macedonia. This museum is located in the former train station. In 1963, there was a huge earthquake that destroyed much of the train station. After that time, it became the Skopje City Museum. You will not want to miss the Skopje City Museum during your one day in Skopje.
Statues and Monuments
Cost: Free
During your one day in Skopje, you will see a ton of statues and monuments scattered around the city. I was overwhelmed by the amount of statues there were in Skopje. It seemed like there was another one every few feet! Definitely take time to view the different ones as each one has some hidden details of Macedonia’s history.
One Day In Skopje
Spending one day in Skopje was such a fun day trip from Sofia, and it was well worth a visit. If you have more time, make sure to include it as part of your Eastern European itinerary and spend a few days here.
